Driver Arrested Felony DUI Charges After Colliding with Motorcyclist
On Saturday night, a driver collided with a northbound motorcyclist on Hazelwood Road. He now faces a host of charges, including felony DUI involving death.
Troy Lebrente Wilson, 26, was reportedly heading south on Hazelwood Road when he attempted to turn left, putting his car in the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. After the crash, Wilson drove away.
The motorcyclist, whose name has not been released, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Police state that Wilson eventually returned to the scene, where he was arrested. Officers determined that he was under the influence of alcohol, and arrested him on felony DUI charges.
Wilson has also been charged with hit and run involving death, failure to render aid, driving under suspension, open container in a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and a seatbelt violation. He is currently being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, and his bond has not been set.
Columbia Police spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said that this is the first alcohol-related traffic death in Columbia so far this year.
South Carolina Felony DUI Law
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A person will be charged with a felony for driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both, if while operating the vehicle under the influence, the person causes “great bodily injury” or death to a person other than himself including a passenger, pedestrian, another driver.
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Great bodily injury is defined by the state of South Carolina as bodily injury, which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious or permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.
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Additionally, if the injured person dies from related complications (such as a coma) within three years of the DUI-related injury, the driver may be implicated in the death.
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Upon conviction of a felony DUI by jury, the accused faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence and fine.
Penalties for Great Bodily Injury
A felony DUI conviction for causing great bodily injury includes a mandatory minimum of 30 days to a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, plus a mandatory fine of at least $5,000, not to exceed $10,100. Also, the DMV must suspend the convicted person’s driver’s license for the term of imprisonment plus three years.
Penalties for Causing Death While Driving Under the Influence
A DUI conviction that includes a felony conviction for causing the death of another includes a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 1 year in prison with a maximum 25 years imprisonment, and a minimum mandatory fine of not less than $10,100 nor more than $25,100. Additionally, the convicted person’s driver’s license is suspensed for the term of imprisonment plus five years.
Other Felony Implications
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A part of the mandatory sentences required to be imposed under the felony DUI law must not be suspended, and probation must not be granted for any portion.
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Felony sentences must be served in federal or state prison, not local jail.
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Conviction under the statute of a DUI felony does not repeal involuntary manslaughter or reckless homicide statutes, if so charged.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Felony DUI Charges
If you face DUI charges, whether it is your first charge, or felony DUI, you could feel alone and afraid. Just because you have received DUI charges does not automatically mean that you are guilty. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have helped people who face DUI charges since 1996. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can discuss the facts of your case with impunity. Contact us for help today. 803.252.4800
